The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed a police sergeant, Osayingbemi Temitope, over alleged involvement in illicit drug use after a viral incident in Ikole-Ekiti.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Sunday Abutu.
According to the statement, the officer was seen in a viral video behaving strangely and uncontrollably in Ikole-Ekiti on May 9, sparking public concern and reactions on social media.
The police spokesperson said the officer’s conduct raised suspicion of drug use and immediately attracted the attention of the command.
Abutu explained that following the incident, the officer was subjected to medical examinations, psychological evaluation and internal disciplinary procedures to determine the cause of his behaviour.
According to him, the psychological assessment showed that the officer was emotionally stable, while medical tests revealed traces of tobacco and amphetamine in his body.
Amphetamine is a stimulant drug that can affect behaviour, mood and mental alertness when abused.
“During further enquiries, the officer confessed to having taken some illicit drugs,” Abutu stated.
The command said disciplinary procedures were immediately initiated against the sergeant after investigations confirmed misconduct.
According to the police spokesperson, the disciplinary panel later found the officer guilty and recommended his dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
“He was recommended for dismissal, and the recommendation was upheld. The command hereby confirms his dismissal with immediate effect,” Abutu said.
The command stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined institution that would not tolerate acts capable of damaging its image or undermining public confidence.
Abutu said the police would continue to sanction officers involved in indiscipline, misconduct and unprofessional behaviour.
He also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Micheal, had directed officers and men of the command to maintain discipline, professionalism, accountability and integrity while carrying out their duties.
The incident has generated discussions among residents of Ekiti State and social media users, many of whom expressed concern over drug abuse among security personnel.
Some Nigerians also commended the police authorities for taking swift disciplinary action instead of ignoring the incident.
Drug abuse has become a growing concern in Nigeria, especially among young people and some public officials.
Over the years, security agencies in Nigeria have also intensified campaigns against the use and trafficking of illicit drugs.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has continued to arrest suspected drug traffickers and destroy illegal drug networks across different parts of the country.
The involvement of security personnel in drug-related incidents often raises serious public concern because officers are expected to maintain discipline and protect lives and property.
In recent years, the Nigeria Police Force has introduced several internal reforms aimed at improving discipline and professionalism among officers.
The police leadership has repeatedly promised to punish officers found guilty of misconduct, corruption or abuse of office.
Following the nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020, public scrutiny of police conduct increased significantly, forcing the police authorities to strengthen internal disciplinary measures.
Cases involving extortion, abuse of power and unprofessional conduct by officers have frequently sparked public criticism.
Because of this, many Nigerians now closely monitor how the police handle disciplinary matters involving their personnel.
The Ekiti incident has also renewed discussions about mental health and substance abuse within security agencies.
Police work in Nigeria is often associated with long working hours, difficult environments and exposure to dangerous situations.
Residents of Ikole-Ekiti who witnessed the incident reportedly expressed shock over the officer’s behaviour before the matter gained attention online.
The viral video circulated widely on social media platforms and attracted criticism from Nigerians who questioned the professionalism of some officers within the police force.
Social media has increasingly become an important tool for exposing misconduct involving public officials and security personnel in Nigeria.
Several disciplinary actions taken by security agencies in recent years were triggered by videos and reports shared online by members of the public.
Human rights groups have repeatedly encouraged citizens to continue documenting cases of misconduct while also calling on authorities to ensure fair investigations and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command has assured residents that it remains committed to maintaining professional standards and public trust.
The command also urged officers to avoid any behaviour capable of bringing embarrassment to the force.
For many Nigerians, the latest action by the Ekiti command is another test of the police leadership’s commitment to reform and accountability.
While some citizens have welcomed the dismissal, others believe more needs to be done nationwide to improve welfare, training and monitoring of officers.
As concerns over drug abuse continue to grow across the country, security experts say law enforcement agencies must not only enforce anti-drug laws but also ensure that their personnel remain disciplined, mentally fit and professional.
For now, the dismissal of the officer has added to ongoing public conversations about police reform, accountability and the wider fight against drug abuse in Nigerian society.